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Colombia

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Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America and the third most populous
country in Latin America. The population is concentrated along the Caribbean coast
and in the Andean highlands.

The country is endowed with large oil reserves and is a major producer of gold,
silver, emeralds, platinum and coal. The government has been reasonably
successful in exerting control over guerilla-led conflicts and the drug cartels.

The country is highly stratified: the rich families of Spanish descent have benefited
from the wealth to a greater extent than the majority, mixed-race population. Since
there are limited avenues for social mobility, there has been a substantial rise of
left-wing insurgents.

Culture Overview

Cultural Essentials

Hierarchy
Colombia has a hierarchical culture where people are respected because
of their age and position. Older people are viewed as wise and are afforded
great respect. The oldest person in a group is revered and honored. In a
social situation, they will be served their food and drinks first. Colombians
respect parents and authority figures, but they expect there to be
reciprocity in the relationship.

Colombians expect the most senior person, by age or position, to make

decisions that are in the best interests of the group. Titles are very
important and denote respect. It is expected that you will use a person's
title and surname until invited to use their first name.

Indirect Communication
Colombians have an indirect communication style that relies on facial
expression, tone of voice, and posture to tell them what someone feels.
They often trust non-verbal messages more than the spoken word. They
are extremely conscious of the need to maintain personal dignity in social
interactions. Therefore, their communication tends to be subtle and
diplomatic so as not to inadvertently offend the other person. Colombians
will say "yes" or "maybe" rather than give an overt negative in order to
maintain harmony. They expect that the person they are speaking with will
understand from their non-verbal language that the answer is no. This can

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be a source of confusion to people from more direct cultures where body

language is not important.

Humiliating people by publicly reprimanding them, insulting them, or

contradicting them causes them to lose honor in the eyes of others. You
can, however, give someone respect by complimenting them, showing
them respect, or doing anything that increases their self-esteem. It is
extremely rude to decline a social invitation; however, you may give an
evasive response that implies a negative answer.

Relationships
Personal relationships are extremely important to Colombians. It is
common for family relationships to carry over into business. Nepotism is
accepted because people believe that family members are among the most
trustworthy. In smaller firms, positions are often filled by family members
first and by close friends of the family second. Although they may
distinguish between business and family time, the line is less clearly drawn
than in many other cultures where business and personal lives do not
overlap.

Since they tend to be group-oriented, Colombians subjugate their desires

to achieve what is in the best interest of the group and to maintain group
harmony. As such, they see personal relationships as the foundation of
business success. Establishing a rapport is the first step towards building
the trust that is the cornerstone of business relationships. Therefore,
Colombians invest time in small talk so that they get to know the other
person as an individual. It is in your best interest not to rush this process.

Most Colombians need strong bonds with someone in order to finalize

business deals. Business relationships are between people more than the
companies they represent. If the company changes a lead representative
or negotiator, business dealings may cease until the new person develops
their own relationships.

Time
Given the importance Colombians place on building and maintaining
relationships, it is not surprising that they have a flexible view of time.
Meetings may start late because the Colombian was seeing to an existing
relationship. Likewise, they can be cancelled on short notice should
someone in the Colombian's inner circle need there assistance. This often
means that timetables and schedules are more flexible than in many
countries. Since people rather than timelines are given first priority,
personal relationships flourish and deadlines may not be met.

For the most part, Colombians do not see time as something they can
control. They expect people to arrive late for social situations and would be
distressed if someone arrived on time. Given this free flowing view of time,
meetings seldom start on time. Those who work in multinational companies
may attempt to be prompt, although they may not succeed.

Generational Impact
Once considered a homogeneous country, Colombia is experiencing major
shifts as Generations X and Y become dominant forces in the population.
Curiously, many of the behaviors attributed to Gen X in Colombia resemble

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those of the Baby Boomer generation. Although digitally connected,

Colombian Gen Y are less so than their peers in many countries since
most cannot afford smartphones or tablets. In fact, many rely on cyber
cafs to use the Internet. At the same time, they are frequent users of
social media.

Generation X Generation Y

(Born 1965- 1979) (Born 1980 - 1999)

Independent decision
Individual responsibility
making

Concern for professional Work environment that encourages

ethics social relationships

Adapt easily to change Cooperation and joint decision-making

Belief in their performance

Continual feedback
level

Focus on processes rather

Approachable managers
than results

- Flexible working arrangements

Religion

The constitution guarantees freedom of religion, although nearly 90% of

the population are Roman Catholic. The Roman Catholic Church has
historically been the single most important force affecting marriage and
family life.

The Concordat of 1973 opened the way for increased acceptance of civil
marriages. After decades of debate, a divorce law permitting the
dissolution of civil marriages was passed in the mid 1970s. In the late
1980s, however, the debate over divorce for Catholic marriages remained
unresolved.

Nearly all marriages take place in the church, and most other rites of
passage in peoples lives are marked by a religious observance.

The parish church is generally recognized as the center of the community

and the local priest is quite often the major figure of authority and
leadership. The church continues to exercise considerable influence in

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education, social welfare, and union organization. Many public holidays are
religious in nature.

Role of Women

Traditional gender roles predominate in Colombian, with the woman being

in charge of childcare and domestic arrangements. As more women
complete university, there are more women holding professional jobs or
political offices. This is especially true in urban areas. In rural regions,
women continue to hold traditional roles and in some families, unmarried
women may be accompanied by a chaperone when they go out in public.

Women comprise about 50% of the workforce; however, the wage gap
continues with women earning about 30% of men in comparable positions.
The position a woman holds is often a by-product of social class. In upper
class and some middle class families, women prefer not to work outside
the home so that they may preserve the family's status, honor, and virtue.
Women from lower class and lower-middle class families often work
outside the home so they contribute to the family's subsistence.

Some women have achieved managerial positions. However, they seldom

go beyond this level due to resistance from both men and other women
who do not think it is appropriate for a woman to have ultimate decision-
making authority. With strongly embedded stereotypes, few women make it
to the executive level both in business and politics. Approximately 4% of
the top 100 companies in Colombia have women CEOs.

Colombian women continue to struggle in the male-dominated world of

politics. The 1991 Constitution enshrined equality and 2000 legislation
enacted laws focused on improving gender equality within the government.
Article 107 states the need for gender equality in the election of party
leaders, while articles 13 and 43 denote the need for more equality within
the government. Statutory law 581 mandates that 30% of high-ranking jobs
within the public administration should be occupied by women, and
Statutory law 1475 established a minimum of 30% female participation in
political party lists.

Nonetheless, women remain under-represented within the political sphere.

Men represent 90.6% of the governors and 15.8% of elected senators are
female.

View of Foreign Women

Admiring glances are culturally acceptable, even in the office. While you do
not want to compromise your or your companys standards of appropriate
behavior, it is a good idea to interpret behaviors and attitudes according to
the local cultural context within which they are occurring. Accepting acts of
chivalrous behavior such as a man pulling out your chair, or offering to
carry a bag for you may ease your transition in business.

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Older businessmen may behave in a somewhat patronizing manner if they

are not comfortable dealing with a businesswoman. Businessmen under
the age of 35 may be more accepting of women in business.

Tips for Businesswomen

You may be asked what you may regard as somewhat intrusive questions
about your marital status and whether or not you have children. Carrying
photographs of your husband and children demonstrates a dimension to
your life beyond your professional role. This is important in this family- and
relationship-oriented society.

Personal appearance and demeanor are considered indicative of a

businesswomans social status and professional standing. A
businesswoman should act in a manner befitting someone with her title in
this formal society, for example by staying in a good hotel, and allowing the
local office to provide a driver.

It is important to project a confident and authoritative image, while at the

same time maintaining cordial relations. If you say or do something that
could be considered insulting or demeaning, you could jeopardize the
business relationship. If you must disagree during business discussions, be
polite, diplomatic, and tactful.

Colombian business, like the culture, is hierarchical. It is important to show

deference and respect to those in authority.

Establishing Credibility
The way a businesswoman is treated may depend upon her rank -- the
more senior the rank, the more polite and respectful the behavior.
Therefore, a businesswoman should have a title that denotes authority. If
you are a business traveler and do not have a title of manager or above,
you may wish to use a "business card" title in Colombia.

A businesswomans status may be gauged by the level of the person who

introduces her. Strive to be introduced by the highest-ranking person you
can find.

It is important to establish your credentials as soon as possible. For the

most part, Colombians are impressed by experience and expertise. At the
same time, a businesswoman must avoid "coming on too strong".

While it is acceptable for a foreign businesswoman to have achieved

success, her approach should not be dogmatic, domineering or
intransigent.

Take the time to establish relationships with your business colleagues

since developing trust and a personal rapport facilitate business dealings.
A businesswoman should be authorized to make decisions. Saying you are
not may cause you to lose credibility.

Colombians will generally defer to the men on a team. Therefore, it is a

good idea to either lead the discussion, or arrange to have certain
questions deferred to you to enhance your credibility.

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View of Foreigners

In recent years, the view of foreigners has become more positive, although
many Colombians remain wary of people from the USA. There is a concern
in some circles that some foreigners are in the country to support and train
Colombias rebel factions. For the most part, however, Colombians
welcome tourists and businesspeople.

Colombians are really friendly and like to engage in small talk with
foreigners.

Cross Culture Tips

The following cultural observations are based on the dimensions in the

ICAM169; Cultural Model. They are designed to help you work and
understand people from other cultural backgrounds.

Please keep in mind that not all people from any given culture act the
same, but in order to describe cultural traits, we had to make
generalizations, which may not apply in some cases. Perhaps the most
important tip we can provide is that when interacting across cultures, you
need to approach every situation with an understanding of the basic tenets
of a given culture and yet remain alert to the specific cultural signals you
receive in each situation and adjust your behavior and expectations
accordingly.

Hierarchical vs. Egalitarian

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

How society is structured

How power is allocated or earned
Tolerance for social mobility
How organizations are structured and run
The amount of responsibility and control employees are given

Colombia is hierarchical, so when interacting with people from Colombia,

you should remember the following tips:

You will need to give clear, explicit directions regarding duties,

deadlines, and decisions.
As a manager, you will be expected to demonstrate an authoritative
leadership style.
Do not expect employees to display individual initiative; they expect
to take direction from the leader.

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Be aware that people expect to be treated differently based on their

socio-economic backgrounds or levels in the organization.
Show the appropriate level of deference and respect, through
language and behavior, to the more senior members of society.
Expect to encounter more bureaucracy in organizations and
government agencies.

Formal vs. Informal

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

The importance of appearance and demeanor as an indicator of

status
The importance of protocol and etiquette
The appropriate use of titles, surnames and honorifics
The appropriateness of discussing personal matters at work
Appropriate ways of meeting people, building relationships and
entertaining

Colombia is a formal society. When you interact with people from

Colombia:

Address people by their appropriate title and name. Do not move to

first-name basis until invited.
In general, it is best to use the formal tense when using the local
language.
Status is important and you may be judged on the image you present,
the clothes you wear and where you live and what car you drive.
These external cues matter to locals.
Do not ask personal questions in a social setting unless you have
developed a close relationship with someone. Check to be certain it
is proper to use social functions to network.
Check with a colleague or local national about rules of protocol and
etiquette about specific circumstances since being correct with
etiquette is important.

Group vs. Individual

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

The source of an individual's identity and loyalties

The relative importance of the individual versus the group
Whether legal systems will protect the rights of the individual or focus
on the group as a whole
Whether individuals prefer to work alone or be part of a group
Whether work teams operate as a seamless entity or as cooperating
individuals
The value of individual contributions vs. teamwork in accomplishing
and rewarding business goals
The roles and responsibilities of individuals to other family members
The appropriate levels of self-assertion and self-promotion within a
society

Colombia is group-oriented culture. The following will help you when you
interact with people from Colombia:

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People value their role as a team member and identify themselves

first as part of a group, then as an individual.
They may be uncomfortable if too much focus is placed on them
individually.
In general, people will consult with others before stating their opinion.
Individuals are not generally comfortable taking credit for their
accomplishments, preferring the praise to be given to the entire
group.
Promotions tend to be based on seniority and relationships rather
than performance.
Individuals feel a strong sense of responsibility for family members.
Decision making may be a slow process since consensus is
important. Once a decision is reached, implementation may be quite
rapid.

External vs. Internal Control

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

The degree to which people feel they control their environment and
destiny-or the degree to which they feel their environment and
destiny control them
Openness to change and innovation
The preference for rules and structure
Willingness to take risks
The degree to which organizational practices encourage and reward
initiative and risk taking, and allow failure

Colombia is an External Control society. When interacting with people from

Colombia, you should remember the following tips:

People in these societies are typically quite risk averse and the
society is not readily forgiving of failure.
People in this society look for strong, directive leadership.
Management is often paternalistic and care-taking towards
employees.
Don't expect changes to be readily embraced and be prepared for
considerable resistance even after youve been able to demonstrate
the value of a proposed change.
While employees and colleagues in Colombia may show a great deal
of competence, dont be surprised if they dont show much initiative.
When introducing initiatives, be prepared for considerable discussion
and debate and other actions that demonstrate resistance.

Balance vs. Status Motivation

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

The importance and value attached to professional vs. personal lives

How status and success are defined by a society
The presence or absence of government-sponsored initiatives
relating to family welfare benefits
The source of an individual's identity and self-esteem
Tolerance for blurring the lines between professional and personal
lives

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Colombia is a Balance-Motivation culture. When interacting with people

from Colombia, you should remember the following tips:

Individuals value their personal and family time.

Personal identity, status and sense of personal accomplishment are
derived from family, education and pursuits outside of the workplace.
Employees see a clear distinction between work time and personal
time and rarely blur those lines.
Family obligations will take precedence over professional loyalties or
advancement.
People are reluctant to permanently relocate and leave family and
friends.

Interpersonal vs. Transactional Relationships

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

What constitutes a relationship

What are the expectations
Whether trust is deemed critical to building social or business
relationships
What takes precedence in making a business decision: the people
involved or other more objective business criteria
The pace and degree of formalized rituals in building new
relationships
The appropriateness of mixing business and pleasure, or
professional and personal lives

Colombia is a highly interpersonal, relationship-oriented culture. When you

have business or social interactions with Colombians, you will want to
remember these points:

The process of relationship building will probably be formal and

ritualized, and take time to establish. Circumventing or rushing the
relationship-building process will probably not work, and may be
counterproductive.
While relationships may take time to build, once established, the
expectation is they will last over time and distance.
Be prepared at social or business functions to be asked questions
that might seem quite personal. Your hosts are not being deliberately
intrusive, but want to get a better sense of you as a "whole person".
In a business situation, personal relationships, trust and familiarity will
likely take precedence over price and perhaps even efficiency.
Employing or giving favorable treatment to family members and
friends may be good business, and what may be considered to be
"nepotism" in your culture may be openly accepted.
There are expectations that people have of relationship-based
behavior, which may include going out after work to socialize,
entertaining at ones home or even inviting someone for the weekend
and while these may be seen as casual in your culture, they carry an
underlying assumption of friendship.

Indirect vs. Direct Communication

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

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The relative importance of verbal vs. non-verbal communication

The degree of directness or subtlety in the language
The relative importance of contextual versus tactical information in
conveying a message
The need to maintain harmony and dignity when communicating
The degree to which a society uses conciseness and clarity versus
eloquent language when communicating

Colombia is an indirect communication culture. The following tips will give

you clues about how you might handle communication with Colombian
colleagues:

Non-verbal gestures are important to enhance the meaning and

acceptance of the words being spoken.
Adding some context, background information, and dialog are
important to assure understanding.
Eloquence in verbal communication and meticulous preparation of
written or visual communication forms are highly valued.
Take care when making introductions to have a respectful, even
deferential demeanor.
Show you are considering the subject thoroughly when a topic is
presented.

Fluid vs. Controlled Time

The defining characteristics of this dimension are:

The degree to which people feel that they can control time
The relative importance of relationships vs. schedules
Attitudes towards timekeeping and punctuality
Comfort level with short range vs. longer term planning
The feasibility / appropriateness of assigning set times for social
functions or business meetings to start and finish

Colombia is a Fluid Time culture. The following tips will give you clues
about how you may best interact with Colombian colleagues:

Time schedules and deadlines are not necessarily considered final.

Tending to relationships may be more important.
Given their exposure to global business standards, people generally
know that foreigners value promptness and they may strive to
comply. This may be less pronounced when meeting with
government officials.
There is generally a large window of accepted lateness for social
events in someones house.
It may be rude to interrupt a colleague who is taking a long time to
deliver a message, and brevity to maintain time schedules is not
considered a virtue.

Country Overview

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The People

About 60% of the population are mestizos (a mix of descendents of

Spanish settlers and the indigenous population) while nearly 20% are
purely of European descent. Indigenous people account for only about 1%
of the population and tend to live on the edge of major cities or in remote
areas. Approximately 15% of the population are mulattos (a mix of
descendents of Spanish and African slaves). Less than 5% of the
population is black. They tend to be concentrated along the coasts and in
the Magdalena and Cauca valleys. Spanish is the official language. The
majority of the population is at least nominally Roman Catholic.

The society is highly stratified. The richest families are generally of Spanish
descent. With few avenues for social and economic mobility, Colombia has
become a breeding ground for the development of a left-wing insurgency
movements.

Nationality:
Noun: Colombian(s)
Adjective: Colombian

Population:

47,220,856 (July 2016 est.)

Population growth rate:

1.07% (2014 est.)

Ethnic groups:
mestizo and white 84.2%, Afro-Colombian (includes multatto, Raizal, and
Palenquero) 10.4%, Amerindian 3.4%, Roma <.01, unspecified 2.1% (2005
est.)

Religions:
Roman Catholic 90%, other 10%

Languages:
Spanish (official)

Source: The World Factbook

Cities & Regions

Colombia is located at the northwestern tip of South America. It is the only

South American country with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the
Pacific Ocean. It is bordered by the Caribbean Sea to the northwest,
Venezuela and Brazil to the east, Peru and Ecuador to the south, the
Pacific Ocean to the west, and Panama to the northwest.

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The country is dominated by the Andean highlands, which separate the

country's eastern lowland regions from the Pacific coastal lowlands in the
west and the Caribbean coast in the northwest. The Colombian Andes
consist of three major mountain ranges ("cordilleras") that extend like
fingers from the Ecuadorian border to the Caribbean Sea. The western
range ("Cordillera Occidental") and the central range ("Cordillera Central")
are separated by a rift valley. The Cordillera Occidental parallels the
sparsely populated Pacific coast and recedes into the Caribbean lowlands
in the northwest.

The Cordillera Oriental branches off to the northeast from the Cordillera
Central creating the Magdalena River valley. The Cordillera Oriental is the
longest of the three cordilleras. To the southwest of the Cordillera Oriental
lies the vast, extremely sparsely populated lowlands consisting of the
Llanos ("Orinoquia") and the Amazonia regions, which together account for
60% of the country's landmass.

The Magdalena River basin accounts for most of the flow from the
Caribbean watershed, from which almost all of the country's irrigation is
supplied. The larger eastern lowlands region contains nearly 6% of the
Amazon basin and almost a third of the Orinoco basin.

Bogot
Bogot, the capital and largest city, is situated almost in the countrys
center at an altitude of 8,600 feet (2,600 meters). The city reflects its pre-
Colombian traditions with its Spanish colonial influences. Many historical
landmarks have been preserved, including the Capitol Municipal Palace
and the Plaza Bolivar cathedral. Local points of interest include La
Candelaria zone, which has several museums, cultural centers, and art
exhibitions; and La Plaza de Bolvar, which is surrounded by government
buildings representing several historical eras and architectural styles.

The most famous churches include Santa Clara, San Francisco, San
Ignacio, the Cathedral situated in La Plaza de Bolvar, La Tercera San
Diego and the sanctuary of Monserrate. The city is known for its Laguna de
Guatavita, the ritual center and sacred lake of the Muisca Indians.

Bogota is a city of striking contrasts: displays of ostentatious wealth co-

exist side by side with real poverty.

Medelln
Bogots second largest city lies in a narrow valley of the central mountain
range. It is the industrial capital of Colombia and the center for the coffee
and textile trades. Major industries include coffee and flower export,
information technology and hotel services. Medelln has more Internet
hook-ups than any other Colombian city. It is also the fashion capital of
Colombia.

Often called "The Land of Eternal Spring" or the "Capital of The Flowers",
Medelln is a modern city. Each year the Flower Festival attracts visitors
from all over South America. The citys fast and efficient "Metro" is the only
public transit subway system in Colombia.

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Government

Country name:

Conventional long form: Republic of Colombia

Conventional short form: Colombia
Local long form: Republica de Colombia
Local short form: Colombia

Government type:
Presidential republic

Capital:
Bogota

Independence:
20 July 1810 (from Spain)

Legal system:
Civil law system influenced by the Spanish and French civil codes

Source: The World Factbook

More Government Information

Chiefs of State and Cabinet Members in Colombia

https://www.cia.gov/
An online directory of leaders updated weekly by the Central Intelligence
Agency.

Background Note: Colombia

http://www.state.gov/
An overview of government and political conditions published by the U.S.
Department of State.

Links to Government Web Sites

http://www.gksoft.com/
A comprehensive directory of Colombian government web sites.

Economy

Currency:
Colombian peso (COP)

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Economy - overview:

Colombia's consistently sound economic policies and aggressive

promotion of free trade agreements in recent years have bolstered its
ability to weather external shocks. Colombia depends heavily on energy
and mining exports, making it vulnerable to a drop in commodity prices.
Colombia is the world's fourth largest coal exporter and Latin America's
fourth largest oil producer. Economic development is stymied by
inadequate infrastructure, inequality, poverty, narcotrafficking and an
uncertain security situation.

Declining oil prices have resulted in a drop in government revenues. In

2014, Colombia passed a tax reform bill to offset the lost revenue from the
global drop in oil prices. The SANTOS administration is also using tax
reform to help finance implementation of a peace deal between FARC and
the government. Colombian officials estimate a peace deal may bolster
economic growth by up to 2%.

Despite austerity measures put in place by the SANTOS administration,

GDP and foreign direct investment fell in 2015, while the El Nino weather
phenomenon caused food and energy prices to rise, with inflation spiking
to 6.8%. In order to combat inflation, the Central Bank raised interest rates
four times during the last four months of 2015, ending the year with a 25
basis point increase to 5.75%. Unemployment has continued to decrease
and hit a record low of 8.9% in 2015, but the rate is still one of Latin
America's highest. Nevertheless, Colombias GDP growth rate makes it the
regions best performer among large economies in 2015.

Real GDP growth averaged 4.8% per year from 2010-2014, continuing a
decade of strong economic performance, before dropping in 2015. All three
major ratings agencies upgraded Colombia's government debt to
investment grade in 2013 and 2014, which helped to attract record levels of
investment, mostly in the hydrocarbons sector. However, Standard &
Poors downgraded its long-term outlook from stable to negative in early
2016. The change, due largely to falling government revenues, could
cause Colombia to lose its investment-grade bond status.

The SANTOS Administration's foreign policy has focused on bolstering

Colombia's commercial ties and boosting investment at home. Colombia
has signed or is negotiating Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with more than
a dozen countries; the US-Colombia FTA went into force in May 2012. The
US and Colombia have benefitted from the FTA, but Colombias ability to
take full advantage of its enhanced access to American markets continues
to be constrained by lack of export diversification. Nontariff measures
remain a point of contention for bilateral trade relations. Truck scrappage
regulation, and restrictions on liquor, pharmaceutical, and ethanol imports
are top irritants in the bilateral trade relationship. Colombia is a founding
member of the Pacific Alliance - a regional trade block formed in 2012 by
Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru to promote regional trade and
economic integration. In 2013, Colombia began its accession process to
the OECD.

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Industries:
Textiles, food processing, oil, clothing and footwear, beverages, chemicals,
cement; gold, coal, emeralds

Exports - partners:
US 27.5%, Panama 7.2%, China 5.2%, Spain 4.4%, Ecuador 4% (2015)

Source: The World Factbook

More Economic Information

Economic Information
http://www.latin-focus.com/
This online news source provides financial data for Latin American
economies.

Geography & Climate

Location:
Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea, between Panama
and Venezuela, and bordering the North Pacific Ocean, between Ecuador
and Panama

Area:
Total: 1,138,910 sq km
Land: 1,038,700 sq km
Water: 100,210 sq km

Note: Includes Isla de Malpelo, Roncador Cay, and Serrana Bank

Land boundaries:
Total: 6,672 km
Border Countries: Brazil 1,790 km, Ecuador 708 km, Panama 339 km,
Peru 1,494 km, Venezuela 2,341 km

Coastline:
3,208 km (Caribbean Sea 1,760 km, North Pacific Ocean 1,448 km)

Climate:
Tropical along coast and eastern plains; cooler in highlands

Terrain:
Flat coastal lowlands, central highlands, high Andes Mountains, eastern
lowland plains

Elevation extremes:
Lowest point: Pacific Ocean 0 m
Highest point: Pico Cristobal Colon 5,775 m

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Note: Nearby Pico Simon Bolivar also has the same elevation

Natural hazards:
Highlands subject to volcanic eruptions; occasional earthquakes; periodic
droughts
Volcanism: Galeras (elev. 4,276 m) is one of Colombia's most active
volcanoes, having erupted in 2009 and 2010 causing major evacuations; it
has been deemed a "Decade Volcano" by the International Association of
Volcanology and Chemistry of the Earth's Interior, worthy of study due to its
explosive history and close proximity to human populations; Nevado del
Ruiz (elev. 5,321 m), 129 km (80 mi) west of Bogota, erupted in 1985
producing lahars that killed 23,000 people; the volcano last erupted in
1991; additionally, after 500 years of dormancy, Nevado del Huila
reawakened in 2007 and has experienced frequent eruptions since then;
other historically active volcanoes include Cumbal, Dona Juana, Nevado
del Tolima, and Purace

Environment - current issues:

Deforestation; soil and water quality damage from overuse of pesticides;
air pollution, especially in Bogota, from vehicle emissions

Geography - note:
Only South American country with coastlines on both the North Pacific
Ocean and Caribbean Sea

Source: The World Factbook

History Overview

Colombia was initially home to the Chibca Indians, Sub-Andeans,

and Caribbean people, all of whom were agriculturally-based
communities.
The Spanish conquest of Colombia began in 1525. Spain established
Sante Fe de Bogot and made it part of the vice-royalty of Peru.
Bogot became the capital of the Spanish vice-royalty of Nueva
Granada in 1718. The vice-royalty also ruled Ecuador and
Venezuela.
Simon Bolivar defeated the Spanish at Boyac in 1819 and formed
the Republic of Gran Colombia, which included Ecuador, Panama,
and Venezuela. In 1830 Venezuela and Ecuador left Gran Colombia.
The remaining territory, current day Colombia and Panama, became
a separate country called Nueva Granada.
Between 1861 to 1885, the Liberal Party divided the country into nine
largely autonomous entities and separated church and state. In 1885,
the Conservative Party came to power and restored the churchs
influence.
A civil war between the Liberals and Conservatives ("War of the
Thousand Days") was fought from 1899 to 1903. As many as

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100,000 people were killed during this violent battle. Panama left
Nueva Granada to form an independent country.
Liberal President Olaya Herrera was elected in 1930. He introduced
social legislation and encouraged trade unionism. In 1948 the
assassination of the left-wing mayor of Bogot, Jorge Elicer Gaitn,
plunged the country into a decade of riots during which nearly
300,000 people were killed.
A military junta ousted Rojas Pinilla in 1957. The following year
Conservatives and Liberals formed the National Front, whose goal
was to end the civil war. Alberto Lieras Camargo was elected
president. In 1970, the National Front candidate, Misael Pastrana
Borrero, won by a very small margin over Rojas Pinilla who ran as
the champion of the underprivileged.
The Leftist National Liberation Army (ELN) and the Maoist Peoples
Liberation Army (EPL) were formed in 1965. The Revolutionary
Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the largest guerilla group, was
formed in 1966. In 1970, the National Peoples Alliance was formed
as a left-wing counterbalance to the National Front and in 1971, the
M-19 guerilla group emerged.
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Colombias illegal drug trafficking
grew steadily. The drug cartels amassed large amounts of money,
weapons, and influence. President Julio Turbay began a battle
against drug traffickers in 1978. In 1982, President Belisario Betancur
granted guerillas amnesty and freed political prisoners.
The campaign against drug traffickers heated up in 1984 following
the assassination of a justice minister. Eleven judges and 90 people
were killed in 1985 when the M-19 guerillas forced their way into the
Palace of Justice. The Patriotic Union Party (UP) was founded. The
following year Virgilio Barco Vargas (Liberal) won the presidential
elections by a record margin. There was continued violence by left-
wing groups and also death squads run by the drug cartels.
During the 1989 elections, both Liberal and UP presidential
candidates were murdered by the drug cartels. This helped Cesar
Gaviria win the election, campaigning on an aggressive anti-drug
platform.
In 1991 the new constitution legalized divorce, prohibited extradition
of Colombians wanted for trial in other countries, and guaranteed
indigenous people democratic rights. The constitution did not,
however, address the territorial claims of the indigenous people.
The Medelln drug cartel was broken in 1993, but the Cali cartel
remained strong until the mid 1990s. Drug lords continued to wield
tremendous power.
Andres Pastrana Arango (Conservative) was elected president in
1998. He started peace talk with the guerrilla groups. In November he
granted FARC a safe haven in the southeast of the country that was
off limits to the army in an attempt to aid the peace talks. Peace talks
were formally launched in January 1999 but were intermittent, with
claims of intransigence on both sides.
Pastranas Plan Colombia campaign received nearly US$1 billion in
military aid to fight drug trafficking and the rebels who profit from the
trade.
In October 2001, FARC signed the San Francisco agreement and
agreed to negotiate a timed ceasefire. In February 2002, President

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Pastrana broke off peace talks with FARC rebels because of the
recent hijacking of an aircraft. He ordered the rebels out of the
demilitarized zone; the government declared war against the rebels in
the south when they attacked civilians.
Before President Uribe was sworn in (August 2002), FARC
explosions rocked Bogot and a state of emergency was declared. In
January 2003, USA special forces were sent to the eastern province
of Arauca to train Colombian troops to protect the oil pipeline.
In an October 2003 referendum, voters rejected 14 of 15 planned
austerity measures and political reforms. Several ministers and the
national police chief resigned.
The most senior Colombian guerrilla ever captured was jailed for 35
years in May 2004. In July, the right-wing AUC and the government
began peace talks.
A new law enacted in June 2005 reduced jail terms and protected
paramilitaries who turned in their weapons. In December, exploratory
talks began with the second largest left-wing rebel group, the
National Liberation Army (ELN), in Cuba.
The USA and Colombia agreed on a fair trade agreement in February
2006.
Ecuador appealed to the OAS to challenge Colombia spraying the
cocoa crop along their border in January 2007. The government
released jailed FARC guerillas in June 2007. FARC refused to
release its hostages. They demanded the government set up a
demilitarized zone.
Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez acted as mediator in September
2007. He was given until the end of the year to organize an exchange
of prisoners. In January 2008, FARC released two high-profile
hostages.
A cross-border strike into Ecuador ignited a diplomatic crisis with
Ecuador and Venezuela in March 2008.
In May, 14 paramilitary warlords were extradited to the USA for trial
on drug trafficking charges. The army rescued Ingrid Betancourt from
FARC in July 2008 along with 15 other hostages held in the southern-
central region of Guaviare. In February 2009, FARC released six
additional hostages. In March, they released the last foreign hostage.
During the second half of 2009, relations with Venezuela deteriorated
when Colombia agreed to let American troops use their bases to curb
drug trafficking. By November, President Chavez ordered
Venezuelas troops to prepare for war against Colombia.
In December 2009, the FARC and National Liberation Army (ELN)
stopped their battling to focus on attacking the armed forces.
Venezuela cut diplomatic ties with Colombia in July 2010.
In August 2011, President Santos outlined new tactics against rebels.
In October, the USA passed a free trade agreement with Colombia.
In November 2012, FARC declared a two-month ceasefire during
peace talks with the government in Cuba.

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Country Information

Embassies

History

Public Holidays

Tourist Information

Social Etiquette

Meeting People

The most common greeting between men is a firm handshake with direct
eye contact and a welcoming smile. While shaking hands, use the
appropriate greeting for the time of day: "buenos dias" (good day), "buenas
tardes" (good afternoon), or "buenas noches" (good evening/night).
Women may grasp forearms rather than shaking hands.

Once a friendship has been established, greetings become more effusive:

men embrace and pat each other on the shoulder (called an "abrazo") and
women kiss once on the right cheek.

Refer to people by the appropriate honorific title (Seor, Seora, or

Seorita) and their surname. Only young people, family members, or close
friends use first names. Wait until invited before moving to this level of
intimacy.

Colombia is a formal culture and this is demonstrated in the use of the

formal word for you ("usted"). The informal form, "t" is reserved for family
members, when addressing children (who address adults using usted), and
close friends. Wait to be invited before using the informal t.

At a social gathering, expect your hosts to introduce you to all guests

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individually. Introductions should not be rushed. It is polite to stop and

converse briefly with each person since this demonstrates an interest in
them as an individual. When you leave, say goodbye to each person,
although you need not spend time in conversation.

Naming Conventions

Most Colombians use both their maternal and paternal surnames.

The father's surname is listed first and is the one used in
conversation.

Gift Giving

In general, Colombians give gifts for birthdays and Christmas or the

Epiphany (January 6th). A young girls 15th birthday is especially
auspicious and is usually celebrated with much fanfare. Gifts need not be
expensive, but they should be good quality.

Here are some general gift giving guidelines (but also check to be sure
they are permitted under company policy):

If invited to a Colombians home, bring fruit, a potted plant, or

chocolates to the hostess.
Imported spirits are very expensive and make an excellent gift.
If you want to give flowers, it is a good idea to send them in advance
so they may be displayed that evening.
Roses are particularly welcome.
Do not give lilies or marigolds since they are used at funerals.
For a young girls 15th birthday, gold jewelry is the most common gift.
A small gift for the host's children is greatly appreciated.
Wrapped gifts are not opened when received.
If you are given a wrapped gift, thank the person profusely.

Entertaining

How Colombians Entertain

Colombians enjoy socializing and are extremely hospitable. They generally
serve guests something to eat and drink. It is inappropriate to leave
immediately after eating.

Most invitations are given verbally, except for formal events, in which case

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you may receive a printed invitation. It is considered rude to turn down an

invitation: it is better to say you will "try to come", even if you dont actually
go.

If you are invited to a Colombian's house:

Do not arrive on time; your hosts may not be prepared.

Arrive between 15 and 30 minutes late when invited for dinner or
cocktails.
Arrive up to one hour late when invited to a party.
Dress smartly since this demonstrates respect towards your hosts.
Do not discuss business at social gatherings.
Send a handwritten thank you note to the hosts the following day.
Although not required, it marks you as a person of good breeding.
It is considered good manners to reciprocate any social invitation.

Table Manners
Table manners are formal. Colombians pride themselves on their
courteous demeanor, the appropriate etiquette, and judge others on these
standards. The more formal the occasion, the stricter the protocol. When in
doubt, watch what others are doing and emulate their behavior.

Wait for your host to seat you.

Food is either served already on the plate or family-style.
Keep your hands visible when eating, but do not rest your elbows on
the table.
Wait for the host to say "buen provecho" (enjoy or have a good meal)
before you start eating. If this does not occur, do not eat until your
hostess does.
Try everything you are given. If you do not like it, a small bite will
suffice.
Food is eaten with utensils. Even fruit may be cut into pieces with a
knife and fork.
If there is no bread plate, you may put your bread on the edge of your
dinner plate or on the table next to your plate.
You may be offered second or even third helpings. If you do not want
more but think your response will insult your host, take a small
amount.
Do not use a toothpick at the table.
Colombians are proud of their coffee, so accept an offer of coffee or
apologize and provide an excuse for declining.
It is polite to leave a small amount of food on your plate when you
have finished eating. However, some very old Colombians may think
that this is wasteful.
Meals are social occasions and can be quite lengthy.
Expect lively conversation during the meal.

Toasting

Wait for the host to offer a toast before sipping your drink.
The host makes the first toast.
The most common toast is "Salud!".

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When you lift your glass, look at the person being toasted.
The host automatically refills an empty glass.
If you do not want to drink more, leave your glass one-half full.

Dining Out
Most restaurants include a service charge. If so, leaving loose change is
sufficient. If there is no service charge, tip 10%. Hand the tip to the
waitperson, do not leave it on the table.

The person who issues the invitation generally pays the bill, although the
guest may make a protestation. Even if you have extended the invitation, a
visitor may have difficulty paying the bill unless you have made payment
arrangements in advance. Colombians do not expect to split the bill, unless
it is a casual meal with very close friends.

When you park your car near a restaurant, expect to be approached by

someone volunteering to guard your car. Take them up on this offer and
when you return, tip the person.

There are several types of informal eating establishments. A "caf

concierto" is a favorite informal meeting place among friends. They serve
drinks, coffee, and light snacks, which are accompanied by a guitar player.

Tipping
The following tipping hints are guidelines. You can find more explicit
information on restaurant tipping in the Dining Out section above.

Restaurants: 10% if no service charge

Porters: 50 cents per bag
Taxis: 10%

Approach to Time

Time is relaxed in Colombia. The phrase "in an hour or so" may indicate
tomorrow, next week or some other point in the future.

Most Colombians see people and relationships as more important than the
clock. Although businesspeople attempt to arrive at meetings on time, if
they are involved in a discussion, they will not risk jeopardizing that
relationship by ending it abruptly merely to arrive promptly. Colombians do
not expect punctuality for social situations. In fact, they expect people to be
about one hour late.

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Conversation Topics

Colombians enjoy conversing with friends, especially during and after a

meal. They are impressed if a foreigner learns about their history and
culture. Travel, sports (especially soccer), art, literature, and what you have
seen and enjoyed in the countryside make good topics of conversation.

It is best not to initiate discussions about local politics, corruption, the drug
trade, or guerrilla warfare. Do not say anything derogatory about
bullfighting, which is considered an art.

Regardless of the conversation, it is important to be diplomatic and

courteous since this indicates good breeding.

Colombians do not require a great deal of personal space when

conversing. If you back away, you may give offense or the person may
step forward to close the gap.

Colombians are emotive speakers who use their hands freely. Touching
the person with whom they are speaking on the arm or on the back is a
common way to emphasize a point.

Direct eye contact is expected. Indirect eye contact may be interpreted as

the speaker is not telling the truth or is uncomfortable with what they are
saying.

Other Situations

It is a great honor to be invited to a bullfight. Since tickets are very

expensive, you will insult your host if you turn down an invitation to attend.

Although Colombians are wonderful hosts and do not mind if you visit
without an invitation, it is a good idea to telephone in advance unless you
have a personal relationship.

If you praise a Colombian's possession, he or she may feel obligated to

offer it to you. Therefore, it is better to compliment the overall dcor of a
room than to single out a particular item.

Colombians pride themselves on their refined manners:

Men stand when someone enters the room.

Men offer their seat to women.
Say "por favor" (thank you) any time anyone does anything for you.
If you must yawn in public, be sure to cover your mouth.

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Faux Pas

Keep in mind the following behavior while in Colombia:

Avoid using the okay sign (thumb and forefinger joined in a circle) as
it is considered quite rude.
Do not point to someone with your finger, use your entire hand.
It is frowned upon to eat while walking.
Colombians are sensitive to using the word "America" when referring
to the USA. They view "America" as referring to North, Central and
South America.
Do not make jokes about drugs; this is a stereotype that Colombians
do not appreciate.

Communication

Communication Essentials

Colombians are outgoing, open, and

somewhat effusive in their communication.
They converse in fairly close proximity to each
other and maintain eye contact.

Context is important so that Colombians have

sufficient information and understanding. If
they do not feel comfortable with the amount of background given, they will
ask questions until theyre satisfied.

If you come from a direct culture where context is not as highly valued and
brevity is important, your messages might be misconstrued as rude since
the information provided is inadequate. It is, therefore, a good idea to more
completely explain your message. If you do not use hand gestures,
Colombians may not completely understand, so be prepared for questions.

Key Words/Phrases
Spanish is the official and most widely spoken language in Colombia.

Good morning (hello): Buenos das

Good afternoon (hello): Buenas tardes
Good evening (hello): Buenas noches
Hello: Hola!
How are you? Como est?
Goodbye: Adis

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Please: Por favor

Thank you: Gracias
Yes: S
No: No
My name is: Mi nombre es:

Spoken Key Phrases

http://www.omniglot.com
The Spanish alphabet, pronunciation guide, spoken key phrases and links
to more information.

Language Related Videos

http://www.youtube.com
Videos featuring general Spanish lessons - specific words and phrases
may vary in Colombia.

http://www.youtube.com
A short video series featuring essential Spanish words and phrases.

Using Translators
Choosing a translator well is crucial. So, take time when you do it. Develop
an understanding of what you can expect. Be sure the translator knows
you want the translation to be exact, rather than what the translator thinks
each party wants to hear.

Consider meeting with the translator before your appointments so that the
person learns your accent and can be exposed to any technical or non-
familiar terms that may be used. Developing a good relationship with your
translator enables them to argue your points with a level of confidence they
might not otherwise have. Have your translator explain to you the most
elementary of basic courtesies.

Non-Verbal Language

When meeting or greeting, a strong, warm handshake is the traditional

greeting between men, sometimes accompanied by a light touch on the
arm. Women may lightly brush their cheeks together with an air kiss to
greet each other.

Since most Colombians show affection easily and are comfortable with
touch, they often embrace friends, both of the opposite or the same sex.
This is often accompanied by a pat on the back among men. Walking arm
in arm in public is common among women friends.

Colombians are accustomed to standing and sitting close to one another,

even if they do not know each other well.

Good eye contact is important in both social and business situations.

However; as in many Latin American cultures, winking is considered a
romantic or sexual invitation and is considered rude when not appropriate.

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Mail & Telephone

Letters/Email
As Colombians are highly expressive and tactile, they feel less constrained
and consider themselves to be more effective in face-to-face
communications.

Written communications should strive for a tone of affable, but polite,

formality. Even when writing to someone you have not met, or when
continuing a dialogue after an initial face-to-face meeting, it is important to
build and maintain a harmonious relationship. Express any differing points
of view by fully explaining your position; avoid appearing blunt, arrogant or
domineering.

Given the emphasis on relationship building, it is a good idea to ask about

your counterparts health, family, or mutual interests at the beginning or
end of a letter or email.

Emails should use formal modes of address, such as the honorific (Senor,
Senora) or professional title (engineer, doctor, etc) plus the recipients
surname. Take your lead from the Colombian in terms of moving to a first-
name basis. Similarly, use formal closings, such as "Yours Sincerely" or
"Regards", unless your counterpart introduces a tone of informality into the
correspondence.

In terms of receiving a reply, you should not expect to apply the usual
standards of responsiveness. The hierarchical nature of organizations, the
lengthy decision-making process, and the desire to understand both the
people involved and the "big picture" may slow down the communication
process.

Telephone
Third party introductions are helpful before your first phone call to a
Colombian. The approach to a prospective client should be extremely
courteous and emphasize your personal and company history. It is
important to identify who the key decision makers are, and how to reach
those individuals. An intermediary can help you navigate "whos who" in
an organization.

Given the preference for face-to-face meetings, compounded by the

difficulty some Colombians have conducting a phone conversation in a
second language, phone calls should be kept to a minimum. The objective
in making a phone call should be to continue to build the relationship, and
to move the business objective forward. Your counterpart will appreciate a
follow-up written communication reiterating the content of your phone
discussion, particularly if technical details were discussed, or action steps
or other plans were outlined. Again, the desired tone should be friendly, but
polite and formal.

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Presentations

Handouts

Handouts may be given at any stage of the presentation.

Handouts should be available in Spanish.
Check with a local national to ensure there are no typos or factual
errors, and that the language used is appropriate for the audience.
If you give detailed explanations in the presentation, the handouts
should contain just the facts.
If you do not give detailed explanations in the presentation, the
handouts should include additional details.

Presentation Slides/PowerPoint

Presentation materials should be polished and elegant.

Localize the materials.
To emphasize a point, intersperse charts and graphs with written
material.
Graphics may be used if they are aesthetically pleasing, original and
captivating.
Use diagrams and pictures when possible rather than words.
If you present an outline, only include 3 5 key points.

Audience

Generally arrive promptly.

The decision maker may not be in the audience.
Expect a well-crafted, polished presentation delivered with eloquence
and confidence.

Presenter

If using an interpreter, meet in advance to go over the material and

your speech pattern.
Have coffee available before the presentation to allow the audience
to meet and greet the presenter and each other.
Introduce yourself to the audience individually when they arrive.
Learn welcoming phrases in Spanish.
Show respect for the local hierarchy while promoting harmony among
the group.
If you give the presentation in English, provide frequent breaks.
Strive for a warm, friendly, and yet formal delivery style.
Balance facts with personal warmth. Do not appear cold and
unfeeling.
Minimize slang, acronyms or jargon, since they may not be
understood.
Speak slowly and enunciate your words carefully so they can be
understood and/or translated.

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Use an elegant speech pattern. Direct, concise speaking is viewed as

somewhat cold and impersonal.
Avoid hyperbole.
Demonstrate technical expertise, eloquence and confidence.
Smile frequently and make direct eye contact with the audience to
facilitate the way your material is received.
Limit the presentation to 20 minutes.

Opening the Presentation

Do not begin the presentation until the most senior person arrives.
You may open with a humorous story about yourself. Colombians
appreciate self-deprecating humor.
Then give a big picture overview.

Body of the Presentation

Start with the general concept and then work into the specific details.
Technical aspects of the proposal may be discussed only if the
designated technical expert is present.
Both substance and style are important.
Give a concise but well-structured presentation that incorporates the
conceptual framework of your proposal and addresses the local
context.
Use case studies or anecdotal evidence as proof of past results.
Repeat important points by rephrasing them to ensure understanding.

Closing the Presentation

Repeat the key message again.

End with a thought-provoking question or a statement that evokes
thought and/or positive emotion.
Have a clear call to action.
Thank the audience.
Invest time in a Q&A period.
Engage in small talk with members of the audience as desired.
Shake hands with each member of the audience as they leave.

Date/Time

Date
In Colombia, dates are generally written in the day, month and year format
with either periods or slashes between each number. If the day or month is
less than 10, including leading zeroes is optional. Years are written in four
digits. Example: July 9, 2011 could be written 09.07.2011 or 9/7/2011.

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Many Colombians use Roman Numerals to denote the month to ensure

understanding. Example: 9 July 2001 would be written 9/VII/2011.

To ensure there is no confusion, you may want to spell out the name of the
month. This leaves no ambiguity as to what is the day and what is the
month.

Time
The 24-hour clock is a timekeeping convention where the time of a day is
the number of hours since midnight. The 12-hour clock divides the day into
two periods (midnight to noon and noon to midnight), each with 12 hours.
Thus, 2 o'clock in the afternoon would be 14:00 in the 24-hour clock.

Colombians generally communicate in writing using the 24-hour clock,

although they may use the 12-hour clock when speaking.

In informal conversation in Spanish, a delimiter for the time of day is used

in conjunction with the 12-hour clock. Common delimiters include "media
noche" for midnight, "madrugada" for early morning, "maana" for morning,
"media da" for noon, "tarde" for afternoon and "noche" for night.

Internet

Language & Phrasebook

Newspapers

Postal Services

Radio & Television

Business Protocol

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Meeting & Greeting

Shake hands upon arriving and leaving.

Women often do not shake hands with other women -- they grasp
forearms.
Men should wait for a woman to extend her hand.
Greetings take a great deal of time since they require extended small
talk about family, health and mutual friends.
Do not rush the introduction phase. It is a crucial element of the
Colombian getting-to-know-you process.
Maintain eye contact when greeting people.
Use the appropriate greeting for the time of day.
Address people with their professional title and their surname as a
sign of respect.
The honorific titles Seor, Seora, and Seorita with the surname are
commonly used in business.
Wait until invited before moving to a first-name basis. This may occur
almost immediately with people under the age of 30.

Business Cards

Have one side of your business card translated into Spanish.

Present your business card with the Spanish side facing the recipient.
Make certain your fingers do not obscure the print on your card.
Include any advanced university degrees since this marks you as an
expert in this status conscious culture.
Treat business cards with respect. When you receive a card, place it
in a business card case.

Business Attire

The way a businessperson dresses conveys their professional image and

their respect for the people with whom they conduct business. As such,
what we report is the conservative approach to business attire for a
country. Appropriate attire varies within countries based on location, event,
and individual organization culture. Some industries and companies may
have less stringent requirements. Before embarking on an international
trip, it is generally a good idea to check with the local office to determine
what the appropriate dress code is in a specific location.

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Business attire is formal and conservative.

In the coastal areas dress is less conservative, although it is a good
idea to err on the side of formality for the initial meeting.
Men should wear dark-colored, conservative business suits and white
shirts. Bowties should be avoided since they are worn by waiters.
In warmer areas, businessmen may be able to wear a short-sleeved
dress shirt without a jacket or tie.
Colombian businesswomen generally wear business suits or
conservative dresses to the office.
Businesswomen will be seen as more professional if they wear close-
toed shoes and avoid sandals to the office.
Colombian businesswomen tend to have manicured nails with
understated polish.
Clothing of natural fibers is advisable in the coastal areas as a
defense against the heat.
It is generally a good idea to pay particular attention to details, such
as polished shoes and good quality accoutrements, since dressing
well is seen as an indicator of status.
Business casual is adopted more frequently in coastal areas. Even
there, jeans and sneakers are not appropriate for the office.

Gifts

Here are some general gift giving guidelines (but also check to be sure
they comply with company policy):

Business gifts are not expected, although they are appreciated.

Good gifts are desk accessories such as a pen and pencil set or a
desk diary.
Many businessmen appreciate a bottle of imported whiskey.
If you will be returning for another visit, it is a good idea to ask your
colleagues if there is anything you could bring them from your home
country.
It is considered poor taste to give a gift that has your company logo.

Business Entertaining

Business meals are quite common.

Expect meals to take several hours since they are used to develop
the personal relationship necessary to conduct business successfully.
Business dinners are generally social occasions.

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Allow your business colleagues to be the first to raise business

topics.
Spouses are often included at business dinners. If so, business will
not be discussed.
Wait for the host to offer a toast before sipping your drink.
If you host the meal, take your guests to a well-known restaurant that
specializes in continental cuisine.
Expect to haggle over the check. If you want to pay the bill, it is wise
to make arrangements with the restaurant in advance.
Some Colombian businessmen may be uncomfortable allowing a
businesswoman to pay for business entertaining.
If invited to a bullfight, you would insult your host by refusing.
If time permits, reciprocate any hospitality you have received.

Business Hours

Offices: 8:00amnoon, 2:00pm6:00pm Monday to Friday

Government offices: 8:00amnoon, 2:00pm6:00pm Monday to
Friday
Banks: 9:00am3:00pm Monday to Friday; 9:00amnoon, last
working day of the month
Shops: 10:30amam8:00pm Monday to Saturday. Many
supermarkets in the centre of Bogot are open 24 hours.

Business Meetings

Meeting Essentials

Structure: This is quite a formal culture,

so the meetings will reflect that formality.
Role of Leader: As a high hierarchical
culture, the leader is strong and is
responsible for ultimate decision making.
However, the leader takes the groups
interests into account.
Purpose: Generally, meetings are held to
discuss decisions that have already been
made and to exchange ideas.
Who attends: Various levels may attend meetings and there will be
demonstrated concern for the group.

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Who participates/speaks: Since Colombians are formal in their

business dealings, it is important to show respect for status and
hierarchy. At the same time, subordinates have some influence.

A handshake or a kiss on the cheek is usually given to everyone at the

start of the encounters and when the meetings are finishing.

Feelings are highly regarded and serve to underscore content. The

purpose of meetings is to communicate information and decisions that
have already been made and to be sure that everyone is informed.

The importance of relationships cant be overstated, and colleagues will

demonstrate the importance of their personal relationships in discussions.
Greetings are somewhat elaborate, so take time and care when saying
Hello or being introduced. Finishing a meeting at a specific time isnt as
important as the relationship building that occurs.

Scheduling Meetings

Appointments are necessary and should be made 2 to 3 weeks in advance.

Since the mail service is not reliable, it is a good idea to use a courier
service or registered mail. Confirm meetings one week in advance by
telephone, fax, or email.

If you are visiting Bogat, it is a good idea to arrive a day or two in advance
so you can become acclimated to the altitude.

It is often difficult to schedule meetings during Carnival in Barranquilla. It

can be difficult to schedule meetings in any part of the country during the
two weeks before and after Christmas or the week before and after Easter.
Many businesspeople take vacation in December and January. In
Barranquilla, June and July are also favorite vacation periods.

Arrive punctually and be prepared to wait. Colombians who are

accustomed to dealing with international businesspeople strive to arrive on
time, but that often means within half an hour of the stipulated time.

Agendas

As you would expect in a formal culture, agendas are frequently

used.
If you want to include an item on the agenda, forward it with backup
material in advance of the meeting.
Agendas serve as a springboard to discussions. They are seldom
followed point-by-point.

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Conducting Meetings

It is important to pay attention to hierarchy and show appropriate deference

and respect to those in positions of authority. People are addressed by
titles and surnames, the formal word for "you" ("usted") rather than the
informal "tu" is used, and the general business demeanor is one of
gracious hospitality.

Colombians stand very close when conversing. A man may touch the arm,
shoulder, or back of another man while speaking. Do not back away or you
will be seen as rejecting the person. Maintaining direct eye contact while
speaking demonstrates sincerity.

Avoid confrontation. Colombians do not like admitting they have made a

mistake. Calling attention to an error demonstrates a lack of breeding.

Colombians are indirect communicators who always speak diplomatically

and with extreme courtesy. They view blunt communication as extremely
rude. Colombians are non-confrontational and go out of their way to avoid
saying no. In fact, they will generally tell you what they think you want to
hear and figure out a way to do it later. Do not let someone think that you
do not trust them, since trust and personal relationships are the
cornerstone of business.

The Colombian business culture reveres status. Therefore, it is important

to let your colleagues know if you have attended a prestigious university or
have achieved honors in your field. Be careful to insert this information in
the conversation without appearing to brag, which is perceived as arrogant.

Management Styles

Relationships

Personal contacts are important in Colombia. It is helpful to have a local

third-party intermediary make the initial introduction and guide you through
the business process. The Colombian embassy in your country, you
countrys embassy in Colombia, or the Chamber of Commerce can provide
assistance in locating someone to assume this important role. If you are
conducting business in both Bogot and Barranquilla, you may need
different agents in each city.

Colombians prefer face-to-face meetings to doing business by telephone or

in writing, which are regarded as too impersonal. It takes time to develop
relationships: this can be accomplished in the office, over extended

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lunches, dinners, and social outings. Colombians will want to get to know
you as an individual. A persons reputation is formed from their education,
family name, professional achievements, and financial status. Be prepared
to discuss your qualifications and credentials so that your business
colleagues can determine your status.

Relationships are built upon trust and personal honor. It is quite common
for Colombian businesspeople to maintain a network of extended family
and close friends to call upon for assistance. Performing favors on a
reciprocal basis is an integral part of the business culture. Name-dropping
is commonplace and nepotism does not have the negative connotation it
has in many other countries.

Business is conducted with individuals rather than the company they

represent. If your company changes representatives, the relationship-
building process must begin anew.

In Bogot and Medelln, the business culture is more formal than in smaller
cities such as Cali or those on the North Coast, where the culture is more
informal.

Impact of Generations on Relationships

Generation Y strives to maintain professional networks to a greater degree
than previous generations. However, they also believe these networks can
be maintained using email and instant messaging.

Management Essentials

If you were to think about the most important cultural attributes that you will
see operating in business in Colombia, they would be:

Hierarchical structure
Formal style
Group interests
Interpersonal relationships
Indirect communication

In business, it is imperative to be courteous to everyone and to treat those

in positions of authority with particular respect and deference. Although
Colombians are friendly, it is best to err on the side of being overly formal
and conservative rather than jeopardize a business relationship because
you were too informal.

Spend time cultivating relationships and maintaining them once they are
formed. Networking is extremely important in this relationship-driven
culture. This is a country where knowing the right person is often more
important than what you know. This is especially true with government

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officials who can often expedite the bureaucratic process. Strong

interpersonal relationships, including loyalty to family and friends, are the
linchpin of successful business interactions.

In Colombia, as in other hierarchical societies, managers may take a

somewhat paternalistic attitude to their employees. They may demonstrate
a concern for employees that goes beyond the workplace and strictly
professional concerns. This may include involvement in their family,
housing, health, and other practical life issues.

Risk Tolerance

Colombia has a medium tolerance for change and risk. Mistakes are
tolerated more than in other Latin American countries as long as the
employee was doing their best.

Most Colombians welcome innovation, although they need to know how

the process has worked in the past. Providing a track record is a good idea
to help Colombians adopt new and innovative practices.

Since many businesses are family owned, the level of risk tolerated may
depend upon the person's relationship to the owner. Family members can
generally tolerate more risk.

Impact of Generations on Risk Tolerance

How change is viewed is slowly changing with Gen Y who look for
opportunities to try new things and experiment. They do not see failure as
a negative as long as they learn something from the experience.

Schedules & Deadlines

Colombia is a fluid time culture, and as is the case with many fluid time
cultures, it is also relationship-oriented. Maintaining group harmony is
viewed as more important than strict adherence to a deadline.

Deadlines are not viewed as important. If you must receive information by

a certain date, it is a good idea to follow up several times, in a persistent
but polite manner.

Since the culture is collective, you can improve the chance of having a
deadline met by explaining how the deadline may impact others in the
organization. It is also a good idea to maintain the personal relationship so

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that the Colombians feel that to miss the deadline would let down a friend.

Decision Making

Company Structure
Colombian business remains hierarchical, although as Generation Y
become managers or owners of small businesses, this may change.

Managing Employees
Managers are more autocratic than in many other countries. They do not
seek a consensus before making decisions, as they believe it would make
them appear weak. They tell subordinates what they want done and how
they expect them to perform the task. At the same time, managers are
paternalistic and take an interest in the general welfare of the employees
and their families.

Subordinates follow a managers instructions without comment, since it

would be rude to challenge someone of a higher status. They attempt to
avoid confrontation and tell their manager what he wants to hear, even if it
is not the absolute truth. If a subordinate is not clear how they should
approach a given task, they will generally ask co-workers rather than their
manager.

If a manager must counsel a subordinate about a performance problem, it

will be done in private. Positive feedback may be given publicly as it
enhances the persons status.

Impact of Generations on Managing Employees

In many organizations, managers continue to be autocratic, although this is
beginning to change as Millennials take on supervisory or managerial
roles. These younger managers are more willing to delegate decision
making to subordinates, although in many companies this is limited to day-
to-day situations.

The age of the employee can materially impact the best way to manage
employees. When managing Generation Y, consider the following:

Empower employees and hold them accountable for the finished

product.
Provide training and development opportunities.
Provide recognition for achievements in a format that is meaningful to
the employee.
Include Gen Y in cooperative projects so that they feel part of the
organization.
Train managers on how to coach and mentor their staff.
Provide frequent feedback. When offering constructive criticism, start
with something positive.
Communicate expectations clearly.

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Decision Making
For the most part decisions are reached at the top of the company.
Consensus of trusted advisors is often sought in the research process.

In many organizations, ideas are generated at the top of the organization,

from the Chairman and senior Board members, or General Managers.

Business discussions are reached slowly and deliberately.

Decisions may be reached on the basis of the personal sentiment of the

decision maker more than on facts and figures.

Team Focus

Surprisingly for a collective culture, Colombians are not fond of working in

teams. If you form a team, it is important that the leader is strong and
functions in the role of the manager, delegating tasks to individual team
members.

To encourage participation, communicate clearly that participation is

desired. Then, be prepared to listen to divergent opinions as each member
states their position.

Since personal honor is important to Colombians, it is important to gently

qualify ideas that are raised so that you protect the reputation of the team
member who spoke up. If someone is publicly embarrassed, they will not
participate again and it will stem the flow of ideas and the participation from
the group.

Praise should be given to the entire group, not to individuals; although

individuals may be praised privately for their contribution.

Impact of Generations on Team Focus

Gen Y often see working on a team as an opportunity to learn and try out
new skills. They enjoy collaborating with others and expanding their
personal network.

Negotiations

Smiling frequently and making small talk helps establish a rapport. It is

considered rude to immediately begin discussing business. Personal
relationships are important. Colombians prefer to deal with those they trust;
therefore, they spend time developing the relationship. It may take several
visits to accomplish a simple task.

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Relationships are between people rather than the company they represent.
Since working with a negotiating team indicates a serious desire to do
business with the company, this allows each member to develop a rapport
with his or her Colombian counterpart. However, if any member of the team
is replaced, the new person will have to begin the relationship-building
process, which will slow the negotiations.

For the most part, Colombians are more formal than most other Latin
Americans. They will monitor your behavior. Do not remove your suit jacket
or become overly familiar, since this is viewed negatively. Although they
may occasionally raise their voices to make a point, Colombians generally
dislike loud and boisterous behavior.

Decisions are often made based on the personal feelings of the decision
maker, which is why spending time to develop trust and personal
relationships is crucial.

It is important to have a senior member of your organization at the initial

meeting. They will not have to stay for the negotiations. Expect the
Colombians to have someone as the same level as your lead negotiator
heading up their team.

Colombians are non-confrontational and will often tell you what you want to
hear rather than what they think. It is a good idea to watch their non-verbal
language for clues as to what their words actually mean. Silence may
express embarrassment or otherwise communicate a negative message.

Avoid high-pressure sales tactics; they are viewed as confrontational.

Colombians can be strong negotiators and drive hard bargains. Expect the
price settled upon to be about 25% than what is originally offered. They
make concessions, but after much discussion, and expect one in return.

Intangible benefits such as increases in power and status may help close a
deal more quickly than the thought of financial gain.

Moving There

Advice and Tips for Moving

Customs Regulations

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Entry Requirements

Getting Around

Getting There

Safety & Security

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Telephone Numbers

To reach emergency services from a local telephone, dial: 112

Emergency Numbers

Emergency Telephone Numbers

To reach emergency services from a local telephone, dial: 112

Safety Precautions

Today, we think of political situations as causing safety concerns, but

ordinary crime, weather and geographic problems also pose risks. The
wise traveler is cautious about hurricanes and earthquakes along with hotel
fires, pickpockets and spontaneous political demonstrations. Terrorist
attacks and kidnappings have simply brought all security concerns to our
awareness. With the exception of the emergency telephone numbers, this
information is compiled for travelers in general and will apply in varying
degrees to your destination and personal situation.

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Before You Go

Take time to get all of your financial and personal records in order,
including preparing a will.
Talk with a trusted family member or friend about what types of
emergencies might arise in your absence, and what to do in those
events.
Think about the small (and large) disasters that could occur at home
during your absence and be sure there is someone prepared to assist
you.
Make copies of all of your travel documents (including detailed
itinerary with contact numbers) and be sure two people have easy
access to them.
Do the same with crucial health documentation.
Be sure someone knows where you will be and how to contact you in
emergencies at all times.
Find out the services your company offers to you in case of
emergency; obtain and make several copies of important emergency
company contact numbers to keep and give to all members of your
family who might need them.
Be sure you have enough of your prescription medication so you are
all right if you cannot get a refill right away; take an extra pair of
glasses if you wear them.

In-Country
So many variables go into being safe, and many of them revolve around
understanding the specifics of where you are. Be sure to learn details of
your location -- how to dress, where you can go and where to avoid, how to
act in public, how to carry yourself, and who to be watchful of.

Seek information from cultural experts and local nationals whom you have
confidence in. When in comes to your safety, dont be afraid to ask.

Hotel Safety

Know how to call for help AND what to say.

Do not display your guest room key unnecessarily.
Lock your door and do not answer it until you feel comfortable that
you know who it is.
Dont let strangers into your room.
Use the room safe or hotel safe deposit box.
Hide personal documents, valuables and other important items.
(Remember to safeguard your passport.)
Read the fire safety information and know what you would do if you
need to evacuate. Know exactly where the nearest fire exits are.
In the event that you might need to leave your room quickly, keep
your room key, your glasses (if necessary), a pair of shoes and some
money by your bedside.
Travel with a flashlight.
Women traveling alone will have different issues depending upon the
mors of the society youre visiting.
As a rule, be extremely cautious and circumspect.

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Find out all the gender-based restrictions and abide by them.

Use a hotel known for its security and be sure that whatever
type of transportation you use, it is reliable and safe.
Ask hotel concierge or front desk manager to assist you
whenever you have questions about your safety. (They will also
arrange for you to have help, if you wish walking you to your
room very late at night or escorting you from a parking lot to the
hotel lobby).

The following websites offer specific advice for women:

Travel Tips for Women

Best Women's Travel Tips
Her Own Way: A Woman's Safe Travel Tips
Tips for Solo Women Travelers Women Travelers

Travel Tips

Crowded Situations

When youre in crowded places, be very careful to guard your

property at all times.
Carry as few valuable items with you as possible when you know
youre going to a crowded area. For example, expensive cameras,
PDAs and cash are easy targets.
Watch out for pickpockets who will try to distract you in many different
ways while taking your money. Even groups of children can be
working together to divert your attention while one will steal your
money.

Safety in Your New Home City

Learn about your host country and culture. This is not only wise for
business and social purposes, but is extremely important so you can
understand what may be offensive or negligent behavior.
The more you know about your location, the safer youll be; certainly
understand written and unwritten laws and codes of conduct.
Use your Embassy. These people are here to help you.
Embassies Around the World
Even if you are living in a relatively safe country, always be sure that
close family or friends have accurate contact information so they can
find you quickly.
For helpful information: Helpful Tips
If you are living in a high-risk location, your company should have
guidelines for your safety. Be sure you have 24-hour hotline numbers
and appropriate contacts who can assist you.
No matter where you livehigh risk or low risk countriestodays
world is volatile, and you never know when a potentially dangerous
situation can develop. Keep informednot only with your countrys
published data and warnings, but by identifying sources of local
news, reading local papers and telling your local friends to keep you
informed.

Emergencies

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In an emergency that requires help by your government, such as a

lost passport or the need for money because yours has been stolen,
contact: Embassies Around the World
Make sure you know the name of the firm your company has selected
for medical emergencies and evacuation services. International SOS
provides emergency medical and evacuation services for individuals
and companies. You might want to contact: International SOS to see
if you qualify for some of their services.

Security Issues

Security is not simply a state-of-mind, nor is it a stroke of luck. Keeping

yourself and your family safe anywhere you gowhether it is an extended
trip within hours of your home or a long-term assignment halfway around
the worldrequires planning and active follow-through.

Clearly the length of time you spend and the geographic and political
profile of the countries youre living in--or traveling to--will make a
difference in your level of preparedness. Nonetheless, practicing common
sense based upon knowledge of your location will help you. Dont
underplay the importance of understanding what is culturally
appropriateit may help you avoid some difficult situations. With the
exception of the emergency telephone numbers, this information is
compiled for travelers in general and will apply in varying degrees to your
destination and personal situation. Always check to see what services your
company may offer to you.

Emergencies

In an emergency that requires help by your government, such as a

lost passport or the need for money because yours has been stolen,
contact: Embassies Around the World
Make sure you know the name of the firm your company has selected
for medical emergencies and evacuation services. International SOS
provides emergency medical and evacuation services for individuals
and companies. You might want to contact: International SOS to see
if you qualify for some of their services.

Prepare For Your Destination

Read about security and safety issues in the countries youll be

traveling to or living in.
For the most current, up-dated information, we recommend the
following government sites as quite comprehensive and easy-to-
understand:
Australian Travel Advisories
Canadian Travel Advisories
UK Travel Advice
US Travel Warnings

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Read about other precautions you should take for weather- and
geographic-related concerns. For example, keep enough cash on
hand so you will be all right if there are power failures and ATM
machines dont work.
Be sure you know how to contact (and get to) your countrys
Embassy and Consulate wherever you are travelingyou need the
location details, phone and hours of operation. Embassies Around
the World
See if there are any health-related issues in the countries to which
youre traveling. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has in-
depth information regarding all regions of the world.

Be sure you know how to call for help in an emergency. You may need to
reach the police, fire and other emergency personnel. Be sure you know
the words to use in the local language.

En Route

Protect your passport; it is one of the most valuable items you

possess--so protect it as you would cash, credit cards and other
valuables. If it is lost or stolen, report it immediately to the nearest
appropriate Embassy or consulate.
Avoid calling attention to yourself by wearing fancy jewelry or carrying
other expensive items.
Whenever possible carry valuables and important prescription
medications in your carry-on luggage; do not pack valuables in your
checked luggage.
Do not leave laptops, computer bags or other luggage unattended at
any time.
Be able to answer questions about your luggage and be able to open
all suitcases and packages immediately, if asked.
Use your business address on your luggage tags, if possible.
Be sure to respond completely to requests by security officials and
avoid comments about security that could be misinterpreted.
When youre on the plane or train, read safety literature and be sure
you know where emergency exits are located.
For general information when you are en route, the U.S. State Dept.
offers a wide-range of information to travelers of all nationalities:
http://www.state.gov/travel/

Moving Around Safely

Always remain alert.

Avoid disturbances and loud arguments. When they occur, quickly
walk the other way.
Dress conservatively. Your interpretation of this guideline needs to be
based on local practices and customs. Attire you may think is
perfectly acceptable, may not be so youll be well served to learn
what is appropriate. Otherwise, you could run the risk of being
misinterpreted and perhaps becoming a target if your clothing is
provocative or offensive.
Ostentatious jewelry will also draw attention to you.

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Learn about transportation in your locationwhats safe and what

can be problematic and when. Trains, subways, buses, independent
taxi cabs may pose specific problems. Find out before you go if it is
preferable to hire a private driver and car. Contact your Embassy for
detailed information.
You should also ask your company about specific transportation
guidelines theyve established for your safety.
Avoid areas where you can become a victim of crime, such as poorly-
lit streets, alleys, and deserted train stations.
If you drive, keep your doors locked and windows closed, and never
pick up hitchhikers.
Be wary when you are alone in lifts. Get off if someone suspicious
gets on.
If you find yourself alone in a train car or compartment after everyone
else leaves, you may feel safer moving to an occupied car. Identify
the location of the emergency alarm system.
Experts say that if someone does attack you, give them your
valuablesmoney and passportand do not fight back.
Be sure to know enough of the language to call for help. Consider
marking and tagging the pages of a phrase book with these types of
important phrases.
Even when you have a mobile phone, learn to use the local pay
phones and keep change with you.

Know Where Youre Going

Ask people in the hotel what areas you should avoid.

When you have a specific location youre going to, ask colleagues or
people who work in the hotel if there are things you should know
about that area.
If you cannot speak the local language, carry the card of your hotel or
your address with you at all times--as well as your destination
address.
Make others aware of your specific whereabouts, even when youre
going to business appointments.

*Sources: U.S. Transportation Security Administration

Settling In

Accommodation

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Arrival Procedures

Conversions

Eating Out

Entertainment

Family Corner

Health and Safety

Media

Money and Banking

Nightlife

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Shopping

Social Clubs

Sports

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